BMC Racing Team today announced the seven riders who will support Richie Porte and Tejay van Garderen at the upcoming Tour de France.
Sports Director Yvon Ledanois said it was a difficult decision to make considering the calibre of riders who were on the long list.
“If we could have selected 11 riders we would have done so, but in the end I think we have chosen a fantastic group of riders who will provide the best support possible for Richie and Tejay,” Ledanois said.
“We have a diverse group of riders, from seven different nationalities, all of whom will play their role, whether it’s our strong domestiques like Marcus Burghardt and Michael Schär, or riders like Greg Van Avermaet and Rohan Dennis who can go for stage wins. Then of course we have Brent Bookwalter, Damiano Caruso, and Amaël Moinard for support on the climbs and getting Richie and Tejay where they need to be.”
BMC Racing Team is in a strong position going in with two General Classification riders, General Manager Jim Ochowicz said.
“Richie and Tejay will both receive equal support from the staff and riders within the team structure during the race itself. Throughout the race Richie will act as BMC Racing Team’s road captain, and as such will represent the riders’ interests both on and off the bike,” Ochowicz explained.
Porte and van Garderen are excited to work together with the support of the selected riders.
“To know that Tejay and I will be supported by such a strong group of guys is really motivating. I’ve already raced with these seven riders a lot this season and I’m confident that we are going into the Tour de France in a really good position. My form is good, my legs are good and after another week of fine-tuning, I’m definitely ready to race. It’s an exciting time,” Porte admitted.
“I’m taking confidence out of the Tour de Suisse heading into the Tour de France, especially with the team that we are taking. I’ve already raced the Tour de France a couple of times with most of these guys, so I couldn’t be happier to line up with them once again. I’m in great shape, I’m really motivated, and I’m looking forward to rolling out in a little over a week,” van Garderen said.
Tour de France (2-24 July)
Rider Roster: Brent Bookwalter (USA), Marcus Burghardt (GER), Damiano Caruso (ITA), Rohan Dennis (AUS), Amaël Moinard (FRA), Richie Porte (AUS), Michael Schär (SUI), Greg Van Avermaet (BEL), Tejay van Garderen (USA)
Sports Directors: Yvon Ledanois (FRA), Valerio Piva (BEL), Fabio Baldato (ITA)
